The Velvet Underground was band formed in New York City comprised mostly of Lou Reed, John Cale, Maureen
Tucker and
Sterling Morrison, though the lineup changed many times in their career spaning from 1965 to 1973 (though I asure you, none of their members EVER went to join
AC/DC).
The band was financially backed by Andy Warhol. The band used his facility (The Factory) to practice until after the release of their first album "The Velvet Underground &
Nico", considered to be one of the most influencial rock albums of all
time. The
music of the band varies greatly. On the first album the lyrics were mostly the braichild of Lou Reed while the
music was dominated by John Cale's influence. Reed's down to Earth lyrics which detailed events in his everyday
life were backed by Cale's screeching viola and guitar riffs he seems to have written in a manner designed simply to scare the audience.
Their live shows have been described as a horrifying orgasm. Often The Velvets stood on stage with deadpan faces while Andy Warhol had actors running and interacting with the crowd. They were often lit up with a projector playing disturbing and violent images, often including acts of Sadomasochism. At many shows fans passed out or left in utter
fear.
On the rest of their albums the dominate force was Lou Reed's acoustic
guitar, paticularly on the album "The Velvet Underground" (not to be confused with their first album "The Velvet Underground &
Nico". This new style allowed Reed to truly open his work to a new level of emotional attachment.
The band split up in 1973 before the release of their last studio album "Loaded". The cause of the split was due to the pregnancy of drummer Maureen
Tucker. On the album "Loaded" a slew of
people took over Tuckers post on drums.
The band reunited for a final tour in the 93 with the original lineup excluding
Nico, her songs were performed by John Cale.
